A rectangular loop of wire is placed midway between two long straight parallel conductors as shown. The conductors carry currents i₁ and i₂ as indicated. If i₁ is increasing and i₂ is constant, then the induced current in the loop is: A) zero B) clockwise C) counterclockwise D) depends on i₁ - i₂ E) depends on i₁ + i₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The changing current in the first conductor creates a changing magnetic field around it. This changing magnetic field induces an EMF in the loop, which in turn induces a current in the loop. According to Lenz's law, the induced current flows in a direction that opposes the change that produced it. So, the induced current will flow counterclockwise in the loop, producing a magnetic field that opposes the increasing magnetic field of the first conductor.

A Rectangular Loop of Wire Is Placed Midway Between Two